Donald Driver opening retirement statement

Feb. 6, 2013

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Following a video montage about his career, Donald Driver finally spoke about his decision to retire while fighting back tears to start the news conference:

“I told myself I wasn’t going to cry today. Going to try to hold the emotion back as much as possible. I have to say I love you all so much. You guys stood out in the cold to get tickets to share this moment with me. You all are crazy, but now you know why Packer fans are so special because they show the loyalty, they show the respect, so now I give you all the respect. First, I’d like to thank God. Jesus Christ has given me the wisdom to understand when things must come to an end. Sometimes I ask myself why now, but God says he will make a way out of no way to understand the reason why. So today is today that I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League. It’s been a tough decision, but my family and I felt it was time for the next chapter in our lives. Who knows what they may be, but my wife already made it clear that the first thing in retirement was getting the squirrels out of our attic in Dallas. Even though I feel I can still play the game, God has made the answer clear to me the time is now. I have to retire as a Green Bay Packer. I’ve always said I never want to wear another uniform, but always the Green and Gold. Sometimes I sit at home and think of the great history of this franchise and the great players who came before me. The list goes on and on. I felt this was an opportunity to walk away from the game knowing I gave it all that I can. So I owe it to the fans and this fine organization not to tarnish the legacy that they’ve established in me and my family.”

“I have to thank the man who brought me here. He can’t be here today but I talked to him on the phone. He said it’s an honor to know you, to be apart of your life, but I told Ron (Wolf) I couldn’t have done it without him believing in me. So I’d like to thank Ron Wolf.”

“I’d like to thank this man who became a father figure to me. He always opened doors to allow me to walk in, but he retired on me too soon – Bob Harlan.”

“It’s an honor to play for Coach Mike McCarthy. I know where this team is going, but I love you. I really do.”

“The man that don’t talk too much and plays the poker face. He doesn’t get emotional for anything – the great Ted Thompson.”